Sample alcohol policy

Below is sample of what to include in your club's alcohol policy.

You can copy and paste this into a document and edit it to suit your club or download the document.

Club Alcohol Policy template

Our club is committed to the responsible service and consumption of alcohol. This alcohol policy outlines the club’s expectations of behaviour for all members, coaches, officials, parents and players. In becoming a member, coach, official, parent or player of this club, you agree to abide by this policy and understand that any breaches of the approved service of alcohol or inappropriate behaviour that results from excessive consumption of alcohol will result in the club taking disciplinary action.

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Serving alcohol

The guidelines for serving alcohol are to ensure the safety and well-being of every person that attends the club premises. Alcohol will be served in accordance with the club’s values and requirements of the club’s liquor licence, which includes but is not limited to:

Alcohol will only be consumed in licensed areas (change rooms are not a licensed area)

Intoxicated patrons

Alcohol will not be served to any person who is intoxicated

Signs of intoxication include slurred speech, impaired balance, poor coordination, reduced inhibition, becoming aggressive or belligerent, and exhibiting inappropriate behaviour and it is reasonable in the circumstances to believe that the impairment results from the consumption of alcohol

Bar staff will follow procedures provided in their RSA training for dealing with and refusing alcohol to intoxicated patrons, this includes refusing to serve alcohol to any patron they believe is becoming intoxicated

Approved Manager on duty will not overrule a decision made by bar staff to refuse service to a patron

Patrons will not supply alcohol to any other person who is intoxicated or who has been refused service by bar staff

Intoxicated patrons will be asked to leave the club.

Underage drinking

No alcohol will be sold or supplied to a person aged under 18

Only one of the following approved forms of photographic ID will be accepted

Current Australian driver’s licence with a photograph

Current passport

Proof of Age Card or Photo Card issued by any Australian state or territory

Australian Learner Driver Permit card with a photograph.

Staff will request proof of age of any person they believe to be aged under 18

Note for committee members – it is recommended that the club consider demonstrating its support of the responsible consumption of alcohol by selecting and adopting the following relevant practises:

Safe transport

Approved manager/bar staff will encourage all patrons to take safe transport home

Taxi phone numbers will be displayed in the club

The club will implement a designated driver program e.g. drink card entitling person to two free soft drinks, a roster of club members to transport members home after club functions.

Promoting the responsible consumption of alcohol

Alcohol advertising should only appear at the bar

Consider options other than alcohol to be used as prizes/awards

Food, including healthy options, will be available when the bar is open

Low or non-alcohol drinks priced considerably cheaper

No advertising, promotion or serving of alcohol at junior events

No ‘all you can drink’ functions, drinking competitions or event names that promote getting drunk or imply that getting drunk is desirable

No smoking in licensed areas

The club will provide alcohol-free social events for young people and families

The club will pursue non-alcohol revenue sources

The club will not endorse any celebrations, functions or end of season events that involve excessive consumption of alcohol.

Responsibilities of club members, coaches, officials, parents, and players

Consume alcohol responsibly at the club, all club functions and away trips

Do not arrive at a home or away game under the influence of alcohol

Do not bring alcohol to the club or to away games

Do not consume alcohol if you are aged under 18

Do not supply alcohol to intoxicated team members or anyone aged under 18

Do not encourage others to drink excessively or take part in team bonding activities that involve excessive consumption of alcohol

Do not spike another person’s drink

Do not wear the club shirt/uniform to a licensed venue other than the club or an away game club

Whilst the club will undertake to educate club members, coaches, officials, parents, and players about the alcohol policy through promotion in club newsletters, website / social media sites and within the club walls, it is the responsibility of each individual to access this information.

I understand that as a club member, coach, official, parent, or player I am expected to comply by the responsibilities outlined in this alcohol policy and any breaches can result in the club taking disciplinary action towards me in accordance with the club’s [INSERT POLICY e.g. grievance policy].

I, [INSERT NAME] have read and understood the alcohol policy and will abide by it as a member of [INSERT CLUB NAME]